Reviews mixed on audit of American Legion post in Phoenix

Phoenix, NY -- A Phoenix American Legion officer and the village police chief disagree about where an investigation into potential theft from the organization stands.

Michael Whorrall, of the Legion’s executive board, said the state Racing and Wagering Board’s audit of the group’s books Thursday found nothing wrong. “Everything was in line and our practices were acceptable,” he said.

But Phoenix Police Chief Rod Carr, whose department is investigating potential theft of money from the Legion, disagrees. “The auditor found several red flags during a casual inspection of the books,” Carr said. “There were problems with a bell jar and (a financial Legion) officer ... collecting a stipend. The financial officer cannot collect a stipend.”

Racing and Wagering is performing the audit because the Legion’s gambling fundraisers are licensed through the state. The Legion runs legal fundraising activities such as bingo, pull tabs (similar to lottery tickets) and bell jars (similar to raffles).

Carr said the auditor is coming back to do a more thorough review of the books from June 9 through the present. He said the state auditor updated police in a meeting
lasting 45 minutes.

Phoenix police are investigating the theft of money from the Legion’s gambling proceeds. Racing and Wagering also audited Legion books a year or so ago, when another theft was reported to police, Carr and Legion Commander Gary Mills said last week. Carr and Mills said about $1,800 was believed to have been taken in that incident.

They did not say how much was believed missing in the more recent case. Carr said last week there was insufficient evidence to make an arrest in the first case. But he said some information might turn up during the current investigation to link the incidents.